Three-way partnership to help Western Districts sporting community rebuild

By SANFL Media

SANFL is pleased to be part of a three-way partnership between the Marshall Government, football and cricket to help the Western Districts Community Sports Club on Kangaroo Island get back on its feet following the recent devastating bushfires.

In the funding agreement with the AFL/SANFL and Cricket Australia/SACA, the State Government has announced the club will receive a total of $1 million to install a new Ausco modular facility to replace the clubrooms that were destroyed by the ferocious Ravine fire in January.

Modular builds are quick and simple to install meaning the club will be able to focus on investing its insurance money in a new community facility.

Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing Corey Wingard said it’s great to be able to work with Cricket Australia, SACA, the Australian Cricketers Association and the AFL/SANFL to help with the recovery process.

“We’ve seen incredible resilience on the island in recent months but we know there’s still a long road ahead,” the Minister said.

“I have special memories of the Western Districts Community Sports Club, having played footy there as a kid, and I was devastated to see the damage caused there in January.

“A modular build is the perfect solution. The club will be able to reopen quickly while also planning for a bigger and better facility than the one they lost.

“Both Cricket Australia and the AFL have done an outstanding job fundraising to help those who’ve suffered as a result of the bushfires and it’s a pleasure to be partnering with them to help Western Districts out.”

The AFL has also committed additional funding for a range of other works including upgrades to all ovals on Kangaroo Island that support football.

AFL Community Relief Fund Governance Committee Chairman Lindsay Tanner said the League was proud to partner with Cricket and the South Australian Government to deliver a modern facility for the Western Districts community.

“We commend the partnership approach to this integral aspect of the recovery on Kangaroo Island and thank Cricket and the South Australian Government for their collaboration,” Mr Tanner said.

“To all the football clubs and leagues in bushfire affected areas, we are committed to continuing to work with you through the rebuild and recovery stage in this difficult time. The AFL CRF Governance Committee will meet again in May to evaluate further applications for funding.”

SANFL Chief Executive Officer Jake Parkinson said ensuring the people of Kangaroo Island had the opportunity to be involved in football, and sport in general, was vital as they recover from January’s devastating bushfires.

“Sport is the lifeblood of regional communities, so this facility will ensure Kangaroo Islanders maintain their sense of purpose whilst continuing to have an opportunity to bond and remain active,” Mr Parkinson said.

“We’re hopeful to have the build completed before the end of the season due the innovative Ausco modular design.”

Chief Executive of the South Australian Cricket Association Keith Bradshaw said it’s great to see what teamwork can achieve.

“Having seen the devastation on Kangaroo Island firsthand, it is an honour to play a small role in helping the cricket community get back on the field as soon as they can,” he said.

“Sport is critical to our mental health and wellbeing especially during and following challenging times.”